Calls grow for governor's resignation or impeachment

A chorus of top political and government leaders are demanding the resignation, or possible impeachment, of Gov. Rod Blagojevich in the wake of his arrest on federal corruption charges.

Republicans and Democrats alike called Tuesday a sad day for Illinois, and said it leaves Blagojevich without the authority or credibility to lead the state through a global recession and its own financial troubles.

"Our government's ability to deal on a daily basis with the fiscal and economic crises we currently face demands leadership and integrity," Comptroller Dan Hynes said. "Our governor cannot provide either, and he needs to do what's right for the people of Illinois."

State House Republican Leader Tom Cross sent two letters Tuesday: the first to Blagojevich, asking for him to step down, and the second to House Speaker Mike Madigan, asking him to create a committee to investigate impeachment.

"In short, there exists across the state a crisis of confidence in the governor," the letter to Madigan states.

The head of the Illinois Republican Party urged lawmakers to begin impeachment proceedings if Blagojevich does not step down immediately.

"While there is a presumption of innocence, in these troubling economic times, the people's work should be placed ahead of Gov. Blagojevich's legal troubles," state GOP Chairman Andy McKenna said.

Democratic State Rep. Jack Franks, a longtime Blagojevich critic, said he already has spoken to Madigan about establishing a committee to explore impeachment.

"After today's charges, the committee's investigation became much easier," said Franks, of Woodstock. "I believe (impeachment) is warranted."

Other Democrats stopped short of calling for impeachment, but were no less harsh in their remarks about the governor.

"Gov. Blagojevich's actions alleged in the complaint show a complete disregard for Illinois residents who elected him to lead," Democratic Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias said. "The governor has failed in his responsibilities and should resign immediately."

Similar calls came Washington as Democratic Congressman Bill Foster joined Republicans Mark Kirk and Don Manzullo in calling for the governor to step down.

"The public trust has been damaged and it is time for the governor to step down," Foster, of Geneva, said.

"I am aghast at the depth of these charges and Gov. Blagojevich's alleged efforts to benefit personally and criminally from seemingly every action he has taken as leader of our state," said Manzullo, of Egan. "He must finally do right by the people of Illinois and resign now. If he doesn't the Illinois General Assembly should immediately begin impeachment proceedings against him."

The impeachment process outlined in the Illinois Constitution mirrors that for a president of the United States. The state House of Representatives would conduct legislative investigations to determine whether there is cause for impeachment and, if so, whether to impeach.

An impeachment trial then would be conducted by the state Senate, with the chief justice of the Illinois Supreme Court presiding.

If found guilty, Blagojevich could be removed from office and barred from holding any other public office.

If Blagojevich resigns or is removed, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn would become governor.

Hynes called the arrest "perhaps the most embarrassing moment in the history of Illinois government, and a stain that will not be easily removed."

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Related links</h2> <ul class="moreWeb"> <li><a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/packages/2008/blagojevich/">Complete coverage of Blagojevich investigation</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>